At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape safety culture and support teams across diverse services in Bury.
- Company: Bury Council, a community-focused organisation dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting chance to shape a new role and leave a legacy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 5 H&S qualification or equivalent experience; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
YOUR SAFETY MATTERS. SO DOES THEIRS. COME HELP US MAKE BURY SAFER FOR EVERYONE. Are you a passionate Health & Safety professional ready to make a real difference on the ground? Bury Council is excited to announce a brand-new opportunity to join our dedicated Health & Safety Team and we're looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic, hands‑on environment where no two days are the same. This isn't a desk-bound compliance role. This is a chance to get out there, build relationships, and genuinely shape safety culture across some of the most operationally diverse and essential services our borough depends on every day.
Why This Role? Supporting our Place Directorate, you'll work alongside the teams that keep Bury running: waste collection crews, street cleaners, grounds maintenance teams, pest control operatives, vehicle workshop engineers, and more. You’ll have the autonomy to develop real solutions to real challenges, championing a positive, proactive safety culture where people feel supported, informed, and protected. As a newly created role, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to shape what this position looks like and leave a legacy within the organisation.
About the Role:
- Based at: Bradley Fold, Bury Town Hall & operational sites across the Borough
- Hours: 37 hours per week (with some flexibility required for early starts, occasional evenings/weekends, and emergency response)
- Contract: Permanent
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Advising and supporting managers and frontline teams with practical, timely health & safety guidance.
- Developing and reviewing H&S policies, procedures, and risk assessments that work in the real world.
- Delivering audits and inspections, producing clear action plans, and tracking meaningful improvements.
- Investigating incidents and ill-health cases (including RIDDOR), identifying root causes and preventative measures.
- Planning and delivering training, toolbox talks, and briefings that engage and inspire teams to work safely.
- Monitoring contractors and working partners, ensuring safe practices are upheld at every level.
- Championing best practice and embedding a culture where safety is everyone's responsibility.
Who We’re Looking For:
- You’ll be a confident, credible H&S professional who is as comfortable chatting with a waste crew at the depot at 6am as you are presenting to senior managers at the Town Hall.
- Essential: Level 5 H&S qualification (or working towards it), or strong equivalent practical experience.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills you can influence, persuade, and inspire at all levels.
- Strong organisational skills with confidence using Microsoft 365 and reporting systems.
- A collaborative team player who builds trust quickly and works well across diverse services.
Desirable:
- NEBOSH qualification and/or IOSH membership.
- Knowledge of or experience within local authority or similar public sector operational services.
- A full UK driving licence (given the travel across Borough sites, this is a real advantage).
About Bury Council: Bury Council is a proud, community-focused organisation committed to improving the lives of everyone in the borough. We believe in equality, inclusion, and doing right by our people including our workforce. We proudly guarantee interviews for disabled people, care leavers, armed forces personnel (including veterans and reservists), and carers of adults or disabled children who meet the essential criteria.
Working Your Way: We understand that great work happens in different ways. Hybrid working is supported, though given the hands‑on nature of this role, you’ll regularly be out with teams at operational sites and that's where the magic happens. You’ll need to be flexible for occasional early starts, evenings, or weekends (our vehicle workshop operates 24/7 and several services begin well before the typical office day), as well as availability for emergency response situations. In return, you’ll be part of a supportive team that values your contribution.
Email: HSS@Bury.gov.uk
Health and Safety Officer employer: Bury Council
Bury Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for its employees while making a tangible impact on the community. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the unique opportunity to shape health and safety practices across diverse operational services, all while enjoying a flexible working culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join us in making Bury safer for everyone, where your contributions are recognised and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Safety Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend local health and safety events or workshops to meet people in the industry. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of social media. Follow Bury Council and other relevant organisations on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and share your insights to get noticed!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the specific challenges faced by Bury Council. Think about how your skills can help tackle these issues and be ready to discuss real-world solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Bury Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Safety Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for health and safety shine through in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about making Bury safer for everyone, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our diverse teams, so highlight your interpersonal skills and any relevant qualifications.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key achievements and qualifications stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role before applying.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bury Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on health and safety regulations relevant to local authorities. Familiarise yourself with Bury Council's specific policies and procedures, as well as any recent incidents or changes in legislation that could impact the role.
✨Show Your People Skills
This role is all about building relationships, so be ready to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Think of examples where you've influenced or inspired teams to adopt safer practices, especially in hands-on environments.
✨Be Ready for Real-World Scenarios
Prepare to discuss how you would handle practical challenges in health and safety. Consider potential situations you might face in Bury, like working with waste collection crews or conducting audits, and think through your approach to problem-solving.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Since this role requires some flexibility with hours, be prepared to talk about your availability for early starts, evenings, or weekends. Share any past experiences where you've successfully adapted to changing schedules or emergency situations.
